Professional career

Pre-draft

Because Chris Simms was left-handed, Williams was projected as a top prospect for left tackle, widely considered the most important position on the offensive line. He was considered one of the two top prospects in the 2002 NFL Draft, alongside Bryant McKinnie, a natural left tackle from the University of Miami.

Buffalo Bills

Williams was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft, three picks ahead of McKinnie. After starting several games at right tackle, he was eventually moved to left tackle, but largely disappointed. He was widely seen as a draft bust and eventually lost the starting job to undrafted free agent Jason Peters. After a failed attempt to convert Williams to guard, and spending some spot duty at defensive tackle in goal-line situation, he was released in the 2006 offseason.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Williams was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 14, 2006,[2] but never appeared in a regular season game for the Jaguars.

Washington Redskins

Williams spent two years out of football before he gave the NFL another shot and signed with the Washington Redskins on April 24, 2009.[3] At the time he weighed close to 410 pounds and there was some doubt regarding his ability to handle playing tackle again. Williams eventually lost nearly 70 pounds in order to play the position, but struggled when doing so. Because of constant injuries to the Redskins' offensive line, Williams was moved to right guard, where he played well and started eight games at the position. Williams was rewarded for his efforts on March 6, 2010 with a new two-year contract after new head coach Mike Shanahan and his staff reviewed game film of him.[4][5]

On July 10, 2010, it was reported by the Washington Post that Williams would miss the entire 2010 season due to blood clots near his heart.[4] Williams was later released by Washington on July 30, 2011.

Legacy

Notwithstanding that Williams was a four-season starter, some commentators consider him to be a "draft bust" due to his high draft pick and relative lack of long-term success. The Sporting News named Williams as the No. 4 biggest NFL draft bust from 1989 to 2008.[6]